Manchester triumphs at gay football tournament

Fans will have a chance to see the top three teams presented with their trophies on the main stage at Trafalgar Square at the Pride London rally this Saturday, June 30th.

Village Manchester FC were crowned winners of the inaugural Ford Pride Football Tournament after beating Stonewall FC in the final on Satuday.

24 male and female teams from across the country took part in the six-a-side tournament, which was held at the Goals Soccer Centre in Wembley, just a few miles from the recently completed England stadium.

The Ford Pride Football Tournament is the UK’s first high profile gay football competition.

In a closely fought final, Stonewall FC, champions of 2006’s Chicago Gay Games, had to settle for second place after being beaten 3-1 by a Mancunian side emulating their premiership counterpart’s success.

London Titan’s took third place, beating London Falcons FC in the play-offs.

Festival organisers hope that as well as proving fun for those involved, the tournament will address the homophobia that can surround football and help showcase the talents of openly gay footballers.

London Falcon’s FC captain Tom Price had earlier commented that he hoped the event would also break down the prejudices and negative attitudes that often surround gay football.

Organisers of Pride London said they were delighted with the success of the Ford-sponsored tournament and said it hoped it would become a regular event.

Fans will have a chance to see the top three teams presented with their trophies on the main stage at Trafalgar Square at the Pride London rally this Saturday, June 30th.